Complications of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Jeffrey M. Holzbeierlein, Erik P. Castle, J. Brantley Thrasher

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

With the increasing indications for the use of androgen-deprivation therapy in the treatment of men with prostate cancer, side effects of the therapy deserve greater attention. Side effects such as hot flashes, decreased libido, decreased sexual function, and fatigue primarily affect the patient's quality of life. Other side effects such as osteoporosis and changes in lipid profiles may also affect the patient's overall health. Treatments such as estrogen, megestrol acetate, antidepressants, and bisphosphonates are useful in the management of many of the deleterious side effects of androgen deprivation. In addition, alternative management strategies such as intermittent androgen ablation and antiandrogen monotherapy may be useful in minimizing side effects caused by androgen ablation. Patients and physicians should be well aware of the potential side effects of androgen-deprivation therapy as well as the preventive and treatment strategies for these side effects in order to improve patients' quality of life and health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)147-152
Number of pages6
JournalClinical Prostate Cancer
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

Keywords

  • Hot flashes
  • Hypogonadism
  • Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists
  • Osteoporosis
  • Testosterone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Urology

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